Securing a rental property is never easy, let alone in a rent crisis like the one we’re experiencing in Australia. With other tenants bidding higher rent, competition can be fierce. So, if you’re on the hunt for a house or an apartment for rent, a winning cover letter for a rental application is a must.
Merely submitting a rental application form will not be enough. Along with a verified identification (like your passport document number), bank statements, and your personal references, you have to write a convincing rental application cover letter.
There are many templates for a rental cover letter that seek to stand out amongst other prospective tenants. But other rental applicants will also be using those templates for sure.
A different mindset in writing your cover letter for a rental application just might give you the edge. At the outset, don’t rely on templates but write your original rental cover letter thinking as if it’s a job application.
Whether it’s the first time you’re applying for a rental property or the 20th, read on for some rent application tips and renter hacks that will help you win over your landlord.
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What to include in a cover letter
When crafting a cover letter for a rental application, it’s best to direct it to the person in charge the lease. This letter should include:
- A brief introduction of the prospective tenant.
- Insights into their interests and pastimes including hobbies, club affiliations
- An overview of their professional history and additional personal details.
- It’s also beneficial for applicants to shed light on their reasons for relocating and their admiration for the specific property, ensuring the exact property address is mentioned.
- Housemates and their ages, an important input if you have children
- Pets (if any) and their description
Rental cover letter examples
Example #1: Budget-conscious apartment in inner-city Melbourne:
Dear [Landlord name],
My name is [Your name] and I am writing to express my strong interest in renting the [Apartment number] apartment at [Building name and address]. I was immediately drawn to its [Mention specific features that appeal to you, e.g., modern kitchen, balcony with city views, etc.].
I am a [Your profession] with [Number] years of experience and currently work for [Your company name]. My annual income is [Your annual income]. I am a responsible and respectful individual with a clean rental history. I have lived in my current apartment for [Number] years and my previous landlord can be reached at [Previous landlord’s contact information] for a reference.
I am looking for a quiet and well-maintained apartment in a vibrant location like [Neighborhood name]. I am a tidy and considerate tenant who maintains a clean and respectful living environment. I am a non-smoker and have no pets.
I am available for a viewing at your earliest convenience and am flexible with the move-in date. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example #2: Family home in a suburban area:
Dear [Landlord name],
My name is [Your name] and I am writing on behalf of myself and my family to express our interest in renting the house at [Address]. We are a family of [Number] people, including [Number] adults and [Number] children aged [Ages of children].
We are currently living in [Current address] and have been there for [Number] years. We are seeking a larger home in a safe and family-friendly neighborhood like [Neighborhood name]. We were particularly impressed with the [Mention specific features that appeal to you, e.g., spacious backyard, proximity to schools and parks, etc.] of your property.
I am a [Your profession] and my partner is a [Partner’s profession]. We have a combined annual income of [Combined annual income]. We are responsible tenants with a clean rental history and excellent references. Our previous landlord can be reached at [Previous landlord’s contact information].
We are quiet and respectful neighbors who will take good care of the property. We are also mindful of noise levels and would adhere to any community regulations.
We are available for a viewing at your earliest convenience and are flexible with the move-in date. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Remember to personalize these examples further by:
- Adding specific details about your lifestyle and interests.
- Highlighting your strengths as a tenant, such as reliability, cleanliness, and respectfulness.
- Proofreading carefully before submitting your application.
Create a good first impression on the application form
As in applying for a job, first impressions count. Put your best foot forward even when filling up an online rental application such as a 1form. This you can do when answering a “why is this property right for you” example question.
Whether it’s your first time renting or 20th, shine a light on your honest attributes. Always highlight that you’re a perfect match with the rental property also in the other vital information that has to be included a cover letter for the rental application.
You can emphasise this in your work background. For example, you can cite the proximity of the rental to your place of employment or its commuting advantage.
Personalise your rental application cover letter
In other words, it would be to your advantage over other rental applicants if you go beyond the standard details in your rental application cover letter. The cover letter should be part of the must-have documents you need to rent an apartment or house.
Add photos
Including your photo in your cover letter for rental application, for instance, will enable the landlord or property manager to put a face on your wish to live in the property.
Adding group pictures of the other members of your household may also help in this regard.
Add links to your online profiles
Just like in a job application cover letter, it may be useful to add web links to your rental cover letter application. You will have to limit those links to not more than two or three.
The links that you may add should be those that will help the landlord or property manager decide that you’re a good fit for the property.
Consider, for instance, adding the web link of the company you’re working for. Providing access to your LinkedIn profile can also project how stable your current employment or career is.
Be extra helpful to the landlord or rental agency
Besides injecting personality to your rental cover application letter, you can go the extra mile too in being helpful to the landlord by indicating how long you expect to stay in the property.
In your rental cover letter application, make sure to indicate if your stay is short-term or long-term, and if possible, cite a specific time frame.
Providing this information in your rental cover letter might give you an edge over the other rent applicants. The specific time frame you provide will enable a landlord to better plan or manage tenancy in the property.
Harmonise the letter with the application form
In writing the rental cover letter, be sure that its contents match those in the rental application form you filed with the landlord or rental agency. You have to be very careful as well in filling up the application form at the outset.
Accomplish a winning rental application form just as you would in writing a cover rental application letter.
Be careful with your spelling, as misspelled words could lead to confusion in your cover letter rental application.
Consistency is the key here, especially if you have manually filled up a hard-copy rental form. Make sure your handwriting is readable.
Filling up the rental form quickly and submitting it promptly can also be an advantage over other prospective tenants. Submit the rental application form at once even if you are considering other rental properties or unsure of the rental property approval.
What’s important is you’ve thrown your hat into the ring and let the rental agency or landlord know you’re interested.
Documents you need in a rental application
In the rental cover letter, you can likewise reiterate your compliance with the submission of documents required in the rental application. Inform the landlord of a document that you may be lacking. Assure that its paperwork is in process and give the date when you expect to submit it.
Generally, these required rental application documents would include the following:
• Identification. This typically requires submitting a copy of government-issued IDs, such as a driver’s license or passport. The rental application form’s instructions will specify which ID or IDs are required.
• Rental history. This can be a copy of a previous rental agreement or proof of rental payments you’ve made previously.
• Previous bills. Copies of your past utility bills paid.
• Payslips or bank statements. These documents are needed as your proof of income.
• References. Usually, these are professional references, and the stronger ones you should get are the real estate agents or property managers whom you’ve worked with in your previous rentals.
Be honest and upfront in your cover letter
Speak from the heart and be forthright in your rental cover letter application. Indicate that you are willing to discuss and resolve any potential stumbling block that the landlord or property manager may cite.
Ensure that you’re laying your cards on the table and not hiding anything.
Express your willingness, for example, to bring along your housemates during the rental property inspection. If you have initially made contact with the property manager or landlord, thank them for accepting your rental application and follow it up without sounding pushy or impatient.
Just reiterate your interest and emphasise why this property is right for you. Additionally, you can also look up our examples of how to answer the ”please share a few details about your history as a renter’ question if it comes up in the application.
If you do this all successfully, it’ll up your chances and then you can move onto learning what happens after your rental application is approved.
Can I rent a house without a job?
Yes, you can rent a house without a job, but you want to make extra sure to show that you’re a responsible tenant from the first impression. These are the kinds of things you want to tell the landlord about yourself because you can’t show your financial stability through pay slips.
What are good reasons for moving from my last rental?
Your landlord may ask your reasons for moving on from your last rental, in which case you should present a clear and fair explanation.
Reasons like you’re moving closer to the office or to family are understandable. On the contrary, reasons like disputes with your former landlord may raise red flags.
Need help finding a home?
If you haven’t found a rental home yet, let’s help you with that. Browse our search page to check out some amazing listings available right now. Go even further, and download our app to get the full Soho experience.
Just remember to shortlist or swipe left on our listings so we can send you others that better match what you’re looking for.
